| Heart Rate Monitor Watch Comparison |
 FeedbackBy Preston Hunt, 28 January 2003 |
Update (June 26, 2003): I
have been using the Polar 720i all summer so far and it has exceeded
all of my expectations. The watch is very well designed and works
flawlessly. The PC software is outstanding; it is the watch's
greatest feature in my opinion. After comparing the 720i to his
Suunto X6hr in a head-to-head challenge, my friend Zack returned his
X6hr and ordered a 720i as well.
I recently went went shopping for a new heart rate monitor watch and
constructed the matrix below to help me sort through the features of
several high-end watches. I finally decided to go with the Polar 720i.
It offers pretty much everything you could want, with the exception of
ascent rate (which I'm not sure about). Suunto really priced themselves
out of the market with the X6. I'll publish an update after I've used
the 720 for a while.
|
|
Suunto X6hr |
Polar 720i |
Ciclosport HAC4 |
|
Polar S610i |
Polar 520/510 |
Polar S810 |
|
Notes |
Doesn't have cycling features; big and bulky; less HRM experience than Polar, but very good altimeter. Ideal for hiking. Very, very expensive. Battery needs replacing often. |
Highest quality HRMs. 720 is the same as 710, but adds an aluminum watch case and compatibility with WinXP. Also, according to Polar, 710 is not intended for US distribution. |
Official computer of USPS Team. Models are either metric or imperial, not both. |
|
Doesn't have cycling features |
Disqualified for PC interface and lack of bike features (get the 610 instead for $20 more) |
Disqualified: Doesn't have cycling features; costly features I don't need (beat-to-beat & online recording) |
|
Price |
$429 -- 10% (REI) |
$260-$290 (web) |
$300 -- 10% (Performance) |
|
$234 (web) |
$216 |
$342 (web) |
|
Product detail |
|
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|
PC Interface |
1-way with interface kit (included) |
2-way IR, uses laptop IR port (or optional kit) |
1-way, uses included serial kit |
|
Two way IR |
Sonic |
Two way IR |
|
PC Software |
Included, but it is crap |
Included; Excellent reviews. The software is one of the
best parts of this watch. |
Included; so-so- reviews |
|
Included |
|
|
|
Time below/in/above target HR |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Altitude |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Real-time ascent rate |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
?? |
|
|
|
Temperature |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Inclinometer |
Yes |
No, but available on the software |
Yes |
|
No |
No |
No |
|
Compass |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
No |
No |
No |
|
Memory (10s interval) |
22h |
80h ? |
64h |
|
|
|
|
|
Encrypted HRM signal |
No |
Yes |
??, prob. not |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Fitness test (VO2) |
No |
Yes |
Recovery HR |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
# Target zones |
1 |
3 |
2 |
|
3 |
3 |
6 |
| # HRM settings |
1 |
5 |
?? |
||||
|
Cycling features |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
No |
Yes |
No |
|
Comes w/ bike mount? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Power output (wattage) |
No |
$300 extra, but super accurate |
Yes, but estimated based on rider weight, inclination, speed |
|
No |
No |
No |